We think the walk-around hull style is the best boat forfamilies who enjoy fishing and cruising. The Scout 242 Abaco is one of the most graceful blends of both. We found four gunwale rodholders and dedicated rod storage with two racks under the hard top and four more in the cuddy. Optional rocket launchers on the hardtop are a must.
Over on the starboard gunwale is a livewell with freshwater sinkand cutting board. Below it is an awesome tackle locker with slide-in Plano tackle boxes and drawers. A second livewell is unde rthe starboard jump seat. A portside gunwale fish locker holds the fish on ice, and it balances the load when baitwells are active.
Most impressive is the integrated aft lounge that stretches fromgunwale to gunwale. The seat removes and stows away, while the seatback remains to form a padded coaming and wave gate to lean againstwhile slugging it out with fish. Jump-seat cushions stow away fromfishing action, when hooks and fish waste are flying.
Belowdecks we found a convertible V-berth large enough to sleeptwo adults with all cushions in place. A pump-out head is concealedbeneath an upholstered starboard bench, and a portside loungeoffers needed seating.
The Abaco comes with a gorgeous pastel-green gelcoat thattastefully accents its graceful lines. The entire cockpit, gunwalesand foredeck are finished in a good-looking diamond nonskid finish,so footing is secure even when wet. Passage from cockpit to bow isample given the boat’s size. Construction is intended to lasta lifetime, thanks to all-composite stringers, transom and core.Our high-speed offshore runs in three- to four-foot seas proved thebuild was solid. The 242 Abaco tracked confidently in high-speedturns and docked like a seasoned horse heading to the stables.
Final Take: Strong for anglers, comfortable for cruisers
We Also Liked …
1. Water-resistant Yamaha LCD gauges at the helm.
2. Livewells and portside cooler are lighted to ease baitselection and end-of-day washdown.
3. Steps to gunwales are molded into coamings for easy deckaccess without using cockpit space.
4. Pop-up cleats all around are heavy-duty stainless steel.
5. Battery shut-off means one switch isolates the battery toassure full charge on next trip.
DETAILS
Length: 24’2”
Beam: 8’6”
Dry Weight: 2,800 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified
Fuel Capacity: 126 gal.
Max HP: 250
MSRP: $66,000
Contact: 843-821-0068
PERFORMANCE
Test Engine: Yamaha F225 4-stroke
Test Prop: 19” SS Saltwater Series Yamaha
Test Load: Fuel (60 gal.); People (400 lb.)
Top Speed: 47.0 MPH @ 5,800 RPM
Time to Plane: 4.7 sec.
Time to 30 MPH: 8.2 sec.
Noise at Idle: 66 db
Noise at 30 MPH: 84 db
Cruise Stats: 84 db; 34 MPH @ 4,000 RPM
POWER CURVE
RPM MPH
650 3.6
1,000 5.2
1,500 7.4
2,000 8.5
2,500 10.6
3,000 20.0
3,500 27.3
4,000 33.8
4,500 37.3
5,000 41.1
5,500 46.4
5,800 47.0
